Harden, who has been hampered by injuries in recent years, is attempting a comeback after missing the 2012 season. Harden would likely sign a minor league deal and be invited to major league spring training. It's not clear at this time if the veteran is attempting to come back as a starter or a reliever. The situation, according to Neal, is heating up quickly.

Harden spent the 2011 season with the A's and posted a 5.12 ERA with 9.9 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 in 15 starts. The 31-year-old also missed the bulk of the 2006 and 2007 seasons due to injury.